Steve Ives leaves Tunbridge Wells to manage AFC Uckfield Town for a third time

STEVE IVES has departed Tunbridge Wells to become AFC Uckfield Town’s first-team manager for the third time.

Ives was Luke Carpenter’s assistant manager at Culverden Stadium last season, guiding the club to a top eight finish in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having picked up 54 points from their 38 games.

“After a full and extensive review process, Steve Ives has been appointed first-team manager with immediate effect,” said a club statement from the East Sussex outfit.

“The club would like to thank all those who submitted expressions of interest and those interviewed for the position.

“Steve will be returning to the club for his third stint as manager and his strong reputation with players, wealth of experience plus his inside knowledge of the club will, we believe, ensure that there is a smooth transition into pre-season and the season ahead, whilst supporting the club’s aims to build on the development pathway put in place to promote and give opportunity to talented local players.

“Work has already started in assessing and assembling the squad, which is typical of Steve’s approach and diligence.”

Ives will be assisted by John Kirby and Ben Andrews has been appointed goalkeeper coach with Nick Bignell coming up through the ranks to coach the side.

“John, of course, needs little introduction given his standing in the game whilst Ben reassumes a position he previously held at the club and we welcome both back to Uckfield after a short period away and look forward to their impact and influence on the team,” added the statement.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and reward for Nick who has served coaching roles most recently with our under 18s and reserve teams and of course is very well known for his longstanding work Uckfield Grasshoppers.

“It also demonstrates that the club is invested in developing our team off the pitch as well as the players on it.

“The club looks forward to working together with the new management team to drive the team and club forward.”

The club finished in sixteenth-place (bottom five) in the Southern Combination League Premier Division table, with Jonny Elwood’s side picking up 33 points from their 38 league outings last season.

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